17
Jan, 2018

17
Jan, 2018

Life in Full

by Louise Westfall

The Word in Scripture

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” … Now standing there were six stone water jars … and Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine … he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine … But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs … and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Reflect on the Word

Jesus’ earthly ministry is characterized by abundance. When the crowds who came to hear him teach grew hungry, he inspired them to share food so generously everyone had their fill and there were left-overs. His parables of God’s rule speak of the exponential growth of a tiny mustard seed into an enormous tree, of a master who forgives a million dollars’ worth of debt. Jesus’ command to love was not limited simply to the people who love us, but everyone: enemies, people in need, neighbors near and far. Here he produces not just enough wine to get by, but an overflowing amount with which to celebrate and show hospitality.

This abundance tells us something important about God. The Creator and Ruler of the Universe is not a divine bookkeeper, measuring out blessing carefully lest the source runs out. God does not keep a ledger quietly recording our good deeds and bad deeds to see how they balance. God welcomes not just the people who say the right things or believe the right things; God welcomes all. There is no limit to God’s love; it never runs out. God’s love is always there for us. At a wedding feast in Cana, Jesus reveals the grace that holds us and the whole world. More than we deserve, more than we can even imagine. Drink deeply of this grace. Learn to live aware that there is always more.

Prayer

Make an intention

Consider the resources in your life that seem limited or scarce. Recall the scene at the wedding feast in which Jesus’ mother tells him “They have no wine” and express your need. Picture Jesus’ response to you.